On Thursday, September 18th, the chairman of the Democratic Party in New York State publicly announced to the media that he refuses to endorse Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City who identifies as a member of the political organization “Democratic Socialists of America” (DSA). The chairman cited differences in their stances on major issues and the belief that the DSA does not represent the values of the Democratic Party.
According to The Hill, the New York State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs confirmed his stance in a statement to the media. “Mr. Mamdani and I both agree that the biggest problem in our country is the widening income gap,” Jacobs said. “But we have fundamental disagreements on how to address this issue.”
Their positions particularly diverge on the issue of the conflict between Israel and Gaza. Mamdani had previously stated that if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to New York, he would order the New York City Police Department to arrest him.
Jacobs expressed, “As I have directly conveyed to him (Mamdani), I strongly oppose his views on the state of Israel and certain key policies.”
Furthermore, the Democratic Party chairman also disapproved of the principles of the political organization DSA. “I oppose the so-called DSA manifesto and do not believe it represents the principles, values, or policies of the Democratic Party,” Jacobs stated. “Therefore, I will not support Mr. Mamdani’s campaign for mayor of New York City.”
This sharp statement came after New York Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed Mamdani on Sunday.
The New York Post quoted sources saying that Jacobs may resign due to his disagreement with the governor. The split between these two Democratic heavyweights signifies a growing divide between moderate Democrats and left-wing Democrats.
New York State Senator and the second in command of the New York State Democratic Party, Mike Gianaris, fiercely criticized Jacobs’ statement on X platform. “The Democratic Party chairman actually refuses to support the candidate chosen by Democratic voters,” he said. “If he does not fulfill the most basic duty of a party leader, what is he even doing there?”
However, many moderate Democrats support Jacobs. New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated to the media on Friday, “Jay Jacobs’ leadership is crucial to maintaining the Democratic Party rooted in common sense, rejecting socialism, and ensuring that extremist elements do not hijack our values.”
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo also supports the Democratic Party chairman’s decision. “This clarifies the situation,” Cuomo stated on Thursday. “The Democratic Party chairman did not support Mamdani, why? Because he is not a Democrat.”
Jacobs is not the only Democratic figure who does not support Mamdani. The top two figures in the national Democratic Party—Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both from New York State—have also not publicly endorsed Mamdani, even though they have met with this political dark horse candidate.